JP6459466B2 - Image processing apparatus and program thereof, and information processing apparatus program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus that establishes communication with a mobile terminal and a program thereof, and a program for an information processing apparatus that assists in establishing communication between the mobile terminal and the image processing apparatus.

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, MFPs (Multi Function Peripherals) such as image forming apparatuses having functions such as printers, scanners, and facsimiles perform printing in accordance with print instructions transmitted from mobile terminals such as smartphones and tablets by user operations. It is possible.

  In general, when a print instruction is transmitted from a mobile terminal to an MFP, first, the mobile terminal searches for nearby communicable MFPs, and the search result includes a list of names, IP (Internet Protocol) addresses, etc. of communicable MFPs. Displayed on a mobile device. The user selects an MFP as a transmission destination of the print instruction from the list of one or more MFPs displayed as the search result. In a place where a plurality of MFPs are installed such as an office, a plurality of MFPs (names and IP addresses) are displayed in the above-described search result list.

  However, when the user selects an MFP from the list of search results described above, the name of the desired MFP may not be known. In such a case, the user cannot associate the installed MFP with the MFP name displayed on the portable terminal, and does not know which MFP to select from the list of search results.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a method for changing the name of an MFP to a predetermined name for a certain period of time when a user presses a predetermined button on the MFP. According to this, when the mobile terminal searches for nearby communicable MFPs, the name after the change (predetermined name) is displayed as the search result for the MFP for which the predetermined button has been pressed. If the predetermined name is set to a name that can be identified by the user, the user can easily find the name of the MFP that has performed the predetermined button press from the list of search results.

JP 2014-32626 A

  However, in the method described in Patent Document 1, in order to use the above function for temporarily changing the name, the user needs to perform an operation of pressing a predetermined button on a desired MFP. It is troublesome. Further, if the user cannot perform the above operation on a desired MFP, the function of temporarily changing the name of the MFP cannot be used. For example, when the user does not know the operation method of the MFP, or when the specification is such that the operation is accepted only after the MFP receives a password, the user does not know the password. A desired MFP cannot be selected from the portable terminal by using a function for temporarily changing the name. These problems are not limited to MFPs and are common to all image forming apparatuses including an image forming unit such as a printer.

  The present invention is intended to solve the above problem, and when a search request transmitted to search for an image processing apparatus connected to a network is received, the user is not forced to perform a special operation. An object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus, a program for the image processing apparatus, and a program for the information processing apparatus that allow a user to associate identification information with a real apparatus around the user.

  The gist of the present invention for achieving the object lies in the inventions of the following items.

[1] a display unit;
A network communication unit that communicates via a network;
An image processing unit that performs image processing based on a predetermined instruction received from the external device via the network by the network communication unit;
A user detection unit for detecting a user within a predetermined range from the own device;
When the network communication unit receives a predetermined search request transmitted to search for an image processing device connected to the network, if the user detection unit detects a user, A control unit for displaying identification information on the display unit;
I have a,
When the received search request includes function information indicating a function scheduled to be used in image processing requested to the image processing apparatus, the control unit displays the function indicated by the function information in the image of the own apparatus. An image processing apparatus that determines whether or not the processing unit can be executed, and does not display the identification information on the display unit when the processing unit cannot execute the processing.

In the inventions according to [1], [ 7 ], and [ 8 ] below, when the image processing apparatus receives a predetermined search request transmitted to search for an image processing apparatus connected to the network. When the user is detected within a predetermined range from the own device, the identification information of the own device is displayed on the display unit. Usually, since the user sends a search request in front of the image processing apparatus he wants to use, the user uses the identification information displayed on the display unit of the previous image processing apparatus to perform the image processing. Communication between the device and its own terminal device can be established.

  For example, if the image processing apparatus displays the IP address of its own device on the display unit as identification information, the user refers to this and sets a communication destination manually on his terminal device to communicate with the image processing device. Can be established.

Since the user transmits a search request from the vicinity of the image forming apparatus to be used, it is sufficient to display the identification information only for the image forming apparatus that has detected the user in the vicinity of the own apparatus. Further, by displaying the identification information only in the image forming apparatus that has detected the user in the vicinity of the own apparatus, since the other image processing apparatuses do not display the identification information unnecessarily, the power consumption of the entire system can be suppressed.
In addition, when the received search request includes function information indicating a function scheduled to be used in image processing requested by the external apparatus to the image processing apparatus, the image processing apparatus displays the function indicated by the function information. It is determined whether or not the image processing unit can be executed. If it cannot be executed, the identification information is not displayed on the display unit. When the function used in the image processing requested by the external device cannot be executed, the identification information is not displayed because the possibility of establishing communication with the own device is low. Thereby, useless power consumption can be prevented.

[2] When the network communication unit receives the search request, the control unit causes the network communication unit to transmit a predetermined search response including the identification information to a transmission source of the search request. The image processing apparatus according to [1], wherein

In the invention according to [2] and [ 9 ] below, a search response is returned to the search request transmission source. Thereby, the identification information of the image processing apparatus connected to the network can be acquired by the external apparatus. For example, when communication information is established by means such as displaying a list of identification information of an image forming apparatus that has returned a search response in an external apparatus, and establishing communication with the image processing apparatus of the identification information selected by the user from the list In addition, the user can grasp the correspondence between the real image processing apparatus and the identification information on the list by comparing the identification information displayed on the external apparatus with the identification information displayed on the real image processing apparatus. it can.

[3] The control unit includes the detection result of the user detection unit in the search response, and the identification information included in the search response is included in the search response in the device that is the transmission source of the search request. The image processing apparatus according to [2], wherein the image is displayed in a display form corresponding to the detection result.

In the inventions according to [3] and [ 10 ] below, the image processing apparatus includes a result of user detection in a search response, and identification information included in the search response is displayed in a display form according to the detection result. Display on an external device. As a result, the identification information of the image processing apparatus that detected the user and the identification information of the image processing apparatus that did not detect the user are displayed in different display forms on the external device, so that the user can easily distinguish between the two. can do. For example, the user can more easily select a desired device from a list in which identification information is displayed.

[ 4 ] The image processing apparatus according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the feature is possessing a mobile terminal.

In the invention according to the above [ 4 ] and the following [ 11 ], the image processing apparatus detects a user who has a portable terminal. When the external device is a mobile terminal, after a search request is transmitted from the mobile terminal, it is highly likely that the mobile device will be in the vicinity of the user's own device while holding the mobile terminal. In addition, the identification information is displayed. A user who does not have a mobile terminal and has come to the vicinity of his / her device is less likely to establish communication with the mobile device (external device). Therefore, if the detected user does not have a mobile terminal Does not display identification information. Thereby, useless power consumption can be prevented.

[ 5 ] The image processing device according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the feature is that the user is facing the device.

In the invention according to the above [ 5 ] and the following [ 12 ], a user facing the own device is detected. Since the user facing the own device is likely to use the own device, the identification information is displayed. A user who is not facing the user's own device is more likely to have passed by the vicinity of the user's own device, so there is no need to display identification information. Thereby, useless power consumption can be prevented.

[ 6 ] The user detection unit determines whether or not there is a user within the predetermined range based on a radio wave intensity with a device as a transmission source of the search request. [1] The image processing device according to any one of [ 5 ] to [ 5 ].

In the invention according to the above [ 6 ] and the following [ 13 ], it is determined whether or not the user is within a predetermined range from the own device based on the radio wave intensity between the search request transmission source device and the device. For example, an image processing apparatus broadcasts a predetermined radio wave at a predetermined intensity, and an external apparatus that receives the predetermined radio wave returns information indicating the reception intensity of the radio wave to the image processing apparatus, and receives the image processing. Based on this information, the device grasps the radio field intensity between the device itself and the external device.

  When the value indicating the radio wave intensity is low, it is estimated that the distance between the image processing apparatus and the external apparatus is a certain value or more. When the image processing apparatus and the external apparatus are separated from each other by a certain distance, it is unlikely that the user who has instructed the external apparatus to transmit a search request will move from the external apparatus to the self apparatus. Do not do. Thereby, useless power consumption can be prevented.

[ 7 ] An information processing apparatus having a display unit and a network communication unit that communicates via a network,
An image processing unit that performs image processing based on a predetermined instruction received from an external device via the network;
A user detection unit for detecting a user within a predetermined range from the own device;
When the user detection unit detects a user when the network communication unit receives a predetermined search request transmitted to search for one or more image processing devices connected to the network. If the function information indicating the function scheduled to be used in the image processing requested to the information processing device is included in the received search request, the identification information of the device itself is displayed on the display unit. It is determined whether or not the image processing unit of the device can execute the function indicated by the information. If the function is not executable, the identification is displayed on the display unit even when the user detection unit detects a user. Search response control unit that does not display information ,
A program characterized by functioning as

[ 8 ] Display section;
A network communication unit that communicates via a network;
An image processing unit that performs image processing based on a predetermined instruction received by the network communication unit;
An information processing apparatus that can be connected to a plurality of image processing apparatuses including a user detection unit that detects a user within a predetermined range from the own apparatus,
Receiving a predetermined search request sent from an external device to search for an image processing device connected to the network;
When the search request is received, identification information of the image processing device used for an operation for establishing communication between the image processing device and the external device is sent to each of the plurality of image processing devices. An image to be displayed on the display unit of the image processing device on condition that the user detection unit of the image processing device detects a user and to request the image processing device to receive the search request When the function information indicating the function scheduled to be used in the process is included, the identification information is displayed on each of the plurality of image processing apparatuses unless the image processing apparatus can execute the function indicated by the function information. A program characterized by performing control to be prohibited .

[ 9 ] When the search request is received, a predetermined search response including the identification information is received from the image processing apparatus, and the received identification information is transmitted to the external apparatus that has transmitted the search request. The program according to [ 8 ], wherein the control is further executed.

[ 10 ] The search response includes the detection result of the user detection unit, and the identification information included in the search response is displayed according to the detection result included in the search response to the search request transmission source. The program according to [ 9 ], wherein the control to be displayed is further executed.

[ 11 ] The program according to any one of [8] to [10], wherein the feature is possession of a mobile terminal.

[ 12 ] The program according to any one of [8] to [10], wherein the feature is that the user is facing the user apparatus.

[ 13 ] The user detection unit determines whether or not there is a user within the predetermined range based on a radio wave intensity with a device as a transmission source of the search request. [ 8 ] Thru | or the program as described in any one of [ 12 ].

  According to the image processing apparatus, the program thereof, and the program of the information processing apparatus according to the present invention, when a search request transmitted to search for an image processing apparatus connected to a network is received, a special operation is performed for the user. Without forcing the user, the user can associate the identification information with a real device in the vicinity.

It is explanatory drawing which shows the printing system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating functions used by the image forming apparatus in the embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the portable terminal which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows a mode that a printing system operate | moves in embodiment of this invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an arrangement example when three image forming apparatuses are arranged, and an example of a range in which each image forming apparatus detects a user. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating display contents displayed by each image forming apparatus when a search request is received. It is a figure which shows the example of the screen which a portable terminal displays, when a search response is received. 6 is a diagram illustrating a specific example when identification information is displayed in the image forming apparatus. FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating display contents displayed by an image forming apparatus that has received a search request in a modified example. It is a figure which shows the example of the screen which a portable terminal displays, when a search response is received in a modification. 6 is a flowchart illustrating processing performed by the image forming apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the process which judges whether an own apparatus is a desired apparatus. It is a figure which shows the printing system comprised including the server which the program of this invention controls operation | movement.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows a printing system 7 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The printing system 7 communicates with a plurality of image forming apparatuses 10 (10A, 10B, and 10C) that play the role of the image processing apparatus of the present invention and a mobile terminal 40 through a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) 3. Connected and configured. Hereinafter, the image forming apparatuses 10A, 10B, and 10C will be collectively referred to as “image forming apparatus 10”.

  The portable terminal 40 is a portable terminal such as a tablet, and includes an operation display unit 50 including a display unit 51 and an operation unit 52 (see FIG. 4). The portable terminal 40 is connected to the LAN 3 that is a network by wireless communication. In FIG. 1, the mobile terminal 40 is connected to the LAN 3 via the access point 90. In the embodiment of the present invention, a case where one mobile terminal 40 is used will be described as an example. However, a plurality of mobile terminals 40 may be provided.

  The image forming apparatus 10 is a copy job that optically reads a document and prints a duplicate image on a recording sheet, a scan job that saves the image data of the read document as a file, or transmits it to an external device, from a PC This is a so-called multi-function machine having a function of executing a job such as a print job for printing an image relating to the transmitted data on a recording sheet and outputting the image. The image forming apparatus 10 is provided with an operation panel 30 including a display unit 31 and an operation unit 32 (see FIG. 2) for operating the main body of the apparatus. Display a screen or receive a setting operation from the user.

  In the printing system 7, the portable terminal 40 transmits a job such as a print job or a scan job to the image forming apparatus 10 with which communication has been established through the LAN 3, and the image forming apparatus 10 that receives the job executes the job.

  Next, the configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention. The image forming apparatus 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, and a nonvolatile memory 14 that collectively control the operation of the image forming apparatus 10. , DKC (disk control device) 15, external storage device 23, image processing unit 16, reading interface 17, scanner 24, printing interface 18, print engine 22, wireless LAN controller 19, and LAN controller 20. And a user detection unit 21 and an operation panel 30.

  The CPU 11 is based on an OS (Operating System) program, and executes middleware, application programs, and the like. The CPU 11 also functions as a control unit that controls the display content of the operation panel 30.

  Various programs are stored in the ROM 12, and each function of the image forming apparatus 10 is realized by the CPU 11 executing various processes according to these programs. The ROM 12 stores a program for the CPU 11 to execute a series of controls of the image forming apparatus 10.

  The RAM 13 is used as a work memory for temporarily storing various data when the CPU 11 executes processing based on a program, an image memory for storing image data, and the like.

  The nonvolatile memory 14 is a memory (flash memory) whose stored contents are not destroyed even when the power is turned off, and is used for storing various setting information.

  An external storage device 23 such as a hard disk device is connected to the DKC 15 and controls reading and writing of data to and from the external storage device 23. The external storage device 23 is a large-capacity nonvolatile storage device, and in the embodiment of the present invention, an OS program, various application programs, print data, image data, an information history related to a job, and the like are stored. In the embodiment, only one external storage device 23 is included in the image forming apparatus 10, but there may be an external storage device.

  The image processing unit 16 performs processing such as image enlargement / reduction, rotation, rasterization processing for converting print data into image data, image data compression / decompression processing, and the like.

  A scanner 24 is connected to the reading interface 17 and acquires image data obtained by reading by the scanner 24. The scanner 24 performs a function of optically reading a document and acquiring image data. The scanner 24 sequentially moves, for example, a light source that irradiates light on a document, a line image sensor that receives the reflected light for one line in the width direction, and a reading position in units of lines in the length direction of the document. An optical path consisting of a moving unit, a lens or mirror that guides the reflected light from the document to the line image sensor and forms an image, a conversion unit that converts the analog image signal output from the line image sensor into digital image data, etc. It is prepared for.

  A print engine 22 is connected to the print interface 18 and transmits data used for image formation to the print engine 22. The print engine 22 functions to form an image corresponding to the image data on a recording sheet. Here, it has a recording paper transport device, a photosensitive drum, a charging device, a laser unit, a developing device, a transfer separation device, a cleaning device, and a fixing device, and forms an image by an electrophotographic process. It is configured as a so-called laser printer. Other methods may be used for image formation.

  The wireless LAN controller 19 performs a function of communicating data with the mobile terminal 40 and other external devices through a network such as the LAN 3 by performing wireless communication using a wireless LAN.

  The LAN controller 20 performs wired communication and connects to a network such as the LAN 3.

  The user detection unit 21 detects the presence or absence of a user within a predetermined range from the own device. In the embodiment of the present invention, each image forming apparatus 10 is provided with a detection camera at the center of the upper edge of the operation panel 30 as the user detection unit 21, analyzes an image obtained by the detection camera, and analyzes itself. Detect a user in front of the device.

  The means for detecting the user is not limited to the method described above, and other methods may be adopted. For example, you may employ | adopt the method of judging the presence or absence of a user with an infrared sensor, an ultrasonic wave, etc. A predetermined radio wave is broadcast from the own apparatus at a predetermined intensity, and the portable terminal 40 receiving the predetermined radio wave returns information indicating the reception intensity of the radio wave to the own apparatus. Based on this information, the radio field intensity between the own apparatus and the portable terminal 40 may be grasped, and the presence / absence of a user within a predetermined range from the own apparatus may be determined based on the radio field intensity. If a predetermined signal (Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity), Bluetooth (Bluetooth), etc.) is transmitted from the mobile terminal 40 and the reception intensity of the predetermined signal is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, the user within the predetermined range from the own device You may make it judge that there exists.

  The operation panel 30 includes a display unit 31 and an operation unit 32. Among these, the operation unit 32 includes a switch unit 33 such as a start button and a touch panel unit 34. The display unit 31 is composed of a liquid crystal display (LCD) and the like, and has a function of displaying various operation screens, setting screens, and the like. In the present embodiment, the CPU 11 performs control of display contents displayed on the operation panel 30 and control related to reception of operations by the operation panel 30.

  The touch panel unit 34 is provided on the display unit 31. The touch panel unit 34 detects a coordinate position on the display unit 31 pressed by a touch pen or a finger, a flick operation, a drag operation, and the like.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a software configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 in a portion related to a response to a search request and execution of a print job requested from an external terminal. The image forming apparatus 10 includes a search request processing unit 71, a user detection control unit 72, a printing unit 73 that performs control related to printing, and a desired device determination unit 74 as the software.

  The search request processing unit 71 responds to a search request when the wireless LAN controller 19 receives a predetermined search request transmitted from the mobile terminal 40 to search for the image processing apparatus 10 connected to the LAN 3. Process.

  The user detection control unit 72 controls processing in which the user detection unit 21 detects the presence or absence of a user within a predetermined range from the own device. The method described above is adopted as a method for detecting the presence or absence of a user. Desired device determination unit 74 determines whether or not the device itself is a device desired by the user who transmitted the search request. Details will be described later.

  The printing unit 73 causes the print engine 22 to perform printing according to the print data received from the portable terminal 40 that has established communication with the own device.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the mobile terminal 40. The mobile terminal 40 has a CPU 41 that controls the operation of the mobile terminal 40 in an integrated manner. The CPU 41 includes a ROM 42, a RAM 43, a nonvolatile memory 44, a hard disk device 45, a network communication unit 46, and an operation display unit 50 through a bus.

  The CPU 41 is based on the OS program, and executes middleware, application programs, and the like. In addition, the CPU 41 functions as a control unit that controls the display content of the operation display unit 50.

  Various programs are stored in the ROM 42, and each function of the portable terminal 40 is realized by the CPU 41 executing various processes according to these programs. The ROM 42 stores a program for the CPU 41 to execute a series of controls of the mobile terminal 40 and user information.

  The RAM 43 is used as a work memory for temporarily storing various data when the CPU 41 executes processing based on a program, an image memory for storing image data, and the like.

  The nonvolatile memory 44 is a memory (flash memory) whose stored contents are not destroyed even when the power is turned off, and is used for storing various setting information. The hard disk device 45 is a large-capacity nonvolatile storage device, and stores an OS program, various application programs, and the like. A program for operating the mobile terminal 40 in the above-described linked display mode (this is called a linked display application) is also stored.

  The network communication unit 46 has a function of communicating data with the image forming apparatus 10 and other external devices through a network such as a LAN. In this embodiment, wireless communication by wireless LAN is performed, but the communication means is not limited to these.

  The operation display unit 50 includes a display unit 51 and an operation unit 52. Among these, the operation unit 52 includes a switch unit 53 such as a start button and a touch panel unit 54. The display unit 51 is configured by a liquid crystal display or the like, and fulfills a function of displaying various operation screens, setting screens, and the like.

  The touch panel unit 54 is provided on the display unit 51. The touch panel unit 54 detects a coordinate position on the display unit 51 pressed by a touch pen or a finger, a flick operation, a drag operation, and the like.

  In the present embodiment, a dedicated application for establishing communication with the image forming apparatus 10 and transmitting a print instruction is stored in the hard disk device 45, and a search request is sent to each image forming apparatus 10 using the application. Send.

  Next, the operation of the entire printing system 7 will be described with reference to FIG. When the portable terminal 40 transmits a job, first, it is necessary to establish communication between the portable terminal 40 and the image forming apparatus 10. In order to establish communication, the portable terminal 40 must designate the IP address of the image forming apparatus 10 that is a communication partner. Therefore, the portable terminal 40 transmits (broadcasts) a search request for searching for the image forming apparatus 10 on the network (LAN3 in the figure) to search for the image forming apparatus 10 connected to the network. (P1).

  Specifically, first, the user activates a dedicated application for establishing communication with the image forming apparatus 10 on the portable terminal 40. When the application is activated, the mobile terminal 40 broadcasts a search request for searching for the image forming apparatus 10 connected to the network through the network to which the mobile terminal 40 is connected.

  Each image forming apparatus 10 on the network (LAN 3) that has received the search request searches for a search response including identification information necessary for establishing communication with the own apparatus such as the name (apparatus name) and IP address of the own apparatus. It transmits to the original portable terminal 40 (P2). Further, upon receiving a search request, the image forming apparatus 10 detects the presence or absence of a user within a predetermined range from the own apparatus (hereinafter referred to as user detection), and identifies information according to the result of the user detection. Whether or not to display is switched (P3). When the user is detected, the identification information is displayed on the display unit 31 of the own apparatus. When the user is not detected, the identification information is not displayed (P3).

  The mobile terminal 40 that has received the search response from each image forming apparatus 10 displays the identification information (device name, IP address, etc.) of the image forming apparatus 10 that has transmitted the search response as a list on the display unit 51 (P4). .

  The user compares the identification information displayed on the display unit 51 with the identification information displayed on the display unit 51 by comparing the identification information displayed on the display unit 31 of the image forming apparatus 10 with the identification information displayed on the display unit 51 of the portable terminal 40. The correspondence relationship with the image forming apparatus 10 is recognized. In the displayed list, it is recognized which identification information corresponds to the image forming apparatus 10 in front of itself.

  Thereafter, when the user selects any one of the plurality of pieces of identification information (identification information of the image forming apparatuses 10A, 10B, and 10C) displayed in the search result list, the portable terminal 40 is selected. Communication is established with the image forming apparatus 10 corresponding to the identified information, and the job is transmitted.

  As described above, in the printing system 7 according to the present embodiment, the identification information displayed on the display unit 31 of the image forming apparatus 10 and the identification information displayed on the display unit 51 of the portable terminal 40 are compared with each other. Identification information corresponding to a desired real image forming apparatus 10 can be selected from among a plurality of identification information displayed in a list on 40 display units 51. That is, the identification information displayed on the display unit 31 of the image forming apparatus 10 is used for an operation for the user to establish communication between the image forming apparatus 10 and the portable terminal 40.

  In addition, when the search request is received, only the image forming apparatus 10 that has detected the user within a predetermined range from the own apparatus displays the identification information of the own apparatus on the display unit 31, so that all the images that have received the search request are displayed. The power consumption can be reduced compared to the case where the forming apparatus 10 displays the identification information. If the user decides in advance which image forming apparatus 10 to use, the user is likely to send a search request from the portable terminal 40 after moving in front of the image forming apparatus 10 to be used. Only the image forming apparatus 10 that has detected the user in the vicinity of the own apparatus needs to display the identification information.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the device name is adopted as identification information, the device name of the image forming device 10A is MFP1, the device name of the image forming device 10B is MFP2, and the device name of the image forming device 10C is MFP3. And Identification information other than the apparatus name, for example, an IP address, may be adopted as the identification information, but the identification information displayed by the image forming apparatus 10 and the portable terminal 40 is of the same type so that the correspondence can be recognized.

  Next, an arrangement example of the image forming apparatus 10 and a display example displayed by each apparatus when the mobile terminal 40 transmits a search request will be described.

  FIG. 6 shows an arrangement example of three image forming apparatuses 10. For example, the three image forming apparatuses 10 are arranged such that each apparatus is separated from other apparatuses.

  If the user determines in advance which image forming apparatus 10 is to be used, the user moves to the front of the image forming apparatus 10 to be used, and then causes the mobile terminal 40 to transmit a search request. Each image forming apparatus 10 that has received the search request uses the user detection unit 21 (FIG. 2) to determine whether there is a user within a predetermined range (referred to as a detection range 70) from the apparatus itself.

  In FIG. 6, it is possible to take a picture with a detection camera (not shown) installed at the center of the upper edge of the operation panel 30 and detect a range within 1 meter from the own device (fan-shaped range in the figure). The range is 70.

  In FIG. 6, the user is located in the detection range 70 of the image forming apparatus 10C, and there is no user in the detection range 70 of the image forming apparatus 10A and the image forming apparatus 10B.

  FIG. 7 shows an example of display contents displayed on the display unit 31 by each image forming apparatus 10 that has received a search request in the state shown in FIG. The image forming apparatus 10A and the image forming apparatus 10B do not display identification information on the display unit 31 because there is no user in the detection range 70 of the own apparatus (the user is not detected). For example, if there is a screen displayed when a search request is received, that screen is continuously displayed.

  Since the image forming apparatus 10 </ b> C detects the user in the detection range 70 of the own apparatus, the image forming apparatus 10 </ b> C displays the identification information of the own apparatus on the display unit 31.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed by the mobile terminal 40 that has received a search response in the state illustrated in FIG. 6. The portable terminal 40 displays the identification information of the image forming apparatus 10 (10A, 10B, 10C) that is the transmission source of the received search response as a list 60. In FIG. 8, the image forming apparatus 10 includes the result of user detection along with the identification information (specifically, the apparatus name and IP address) to be displayed on the mobile terminal 40 in the search response.

  The portable terminal 40 refers to the result of user detection included in the search response, and displays the identification information of the image forming apparatus 10 that has detected the user in a predetermined display form. In FIG. 8, the portable terminal 40 displays a predetermined mark (a hollow circle in FIG. 8) on the identification information of the image forming apparatus 10 that has detected the user. Since the display form of the identification information of the image forming apparatus 10 that has detected the user is different from the display form of the identification information of the image forming apparatus 10 that has not detected the user, the user can select from the list 60 displayed on the display unit 51 of the mobile terminal 40. Thus, identification information corresponding to the desired real image forming apparatus 10 can be found more easily.

  The display of the identification information on the portable terminal 40 and the change of the display form of the identification information according to the user detection result may be instructed by the image forming apparatus 10 or may be performed by the CPU 41 of the portable terminal 40.

  In FIG. 8, a method for making the display form of the identification information of the image forming apparatus 10 that has detected the user different from the display form of the identification information of the image forming apparatus 10 that has not detected the user is shown by a predetermined mark (in the figure, However, the method of changing the display form of the identification information is not limited to this. For example, the identification information (broken line portion in the figure) of the image forming apparatus 10 that has not detected the user may be hidden, or gray display or highlight display may be employed. Further, the predetermined mark is not limited to the one shown in the embodiment (a hollow circle).

  FIG. 9 shows an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 31 when the image forming apparatus 10 that has received the search request detects a user within a predetermined range from the own apparatus and displays identification information. In FIG. 9, an information group 81 indicating identification information related to the own device is displayed in an overlapped manner on the lower left part of the screen that has been displayed so far (continuation display screen 80).

  In the information group 81, in addition to the device name and IP address, information such as the amount of remaining toner and the number of remaining sheets is also displayed as information about the device itself. The remaining amount of toner and the remaining number of sheets are information that can be used to determine whether or not the user selects the image forming apparatus 10 as a print data transmission destination.

  In FIG. 9, the identification information of the own device is displayed on a part of the screen that was displayed before receiving the search request. However, the screen may be changed to a dedicated screen that displays only the identification information. Good.

Next, a modification when the printing system 7 operates will be described.

<Modification 1>
In the first modification, the image forming apparatus 10 that has received the search request detects the user within a predetermined range from the own apparatus, and the user who has instructed the mobile terminal 40 to transmit the search request uses the image forming apparatus 10. When it is determined that the device is a desired device (desired device), identification information of the own device is displayed on the display unit 31.

  If the device itself is not the device desired by the user, the identification information is not displayed because the possibility of establishing communication with the portable terminal 40 is low even if the identification information is displayed. Thereby, useless power consumption can be suppressed.

  The desired device determination unit 74 (see FIG. 3) determines whether the own device is the desired device. The determination method will be described later. The determination may be made when a search request is received. However, in the embodiment of the present invention, it is assumed that the determination is made only when a user is detected within a predetermined range from the own apparatus.

  FIG. 10 shows an example of display contents displayed on the image forming apparatus 10 after receiving a search request in the first modification.

  In FIG. 10, the image forming apparatus 10 </ b> A and the image forming apparatus 10 </ b> C detect a user who is within a predetermined range from the own apparatus. In FIG. 10, an apparatus (desired apparatus) desired by the user who has the mobile terminal 40 is assumed to be the image forming apparatus 10 </ b> C.

  The image forming apparatus 10A and the image forming apparatus 10C that have detected the user determine whether or not the own apparatus is the desired apparatus. Image forming apparatus 10A determines that it is not the desired apparatus, and does not display identification information. The image forming apparatus 10C determines that the apparatus itself is the desired apparatus, and displays identification information. The image forming apparatus 10B does not display identification information because it has not detected the user within a predetermined range from the image forming apparatus 10B.

  FIG. 11 shows an example of a screen displayed by the mobile terminal 40 that has received the search response in FIG. The portable terminal 40 displays the identification information of the image forming apparatus 10 (10A, 10B, 10C) that is the transmission source of the received search response as a list 60. The image forming apparatus 10 includes, in the search response, the determination result as to whether or not the own apparatus is the desired apparatus together with the identification information displayed by the portable terminal 40.

  In FIG. 11, the portable terminal 40 refers to the above-described determination result included in the search response, and displays the identification information of the image forming apparatus 10 determined to be the desired apparatus in a predetermined display form. In FIG. 11, the mobile terminal 40 displays the identification information of the image forming apparatus 10 that detected the user with a predetermined mark (filled circle in FIG. 11). Since the display form of the identification information of the image forming apparatus 10 determined to be the desired apparatus is different from the display form of the identification information of the image forming apparatus determined to be not the desired apparatus, the user can display the display unit of the portable terminal 40. The identification information corresponding to the desired real image forming apparatus 10 can be easily found from the list 60 displayed in 51.

  In FIG. 11, a method for differentiating the display form of the identification information of the image forming apparatus 10 that is determined to be the desired apparatus from the display form of the identification information of the other image forming apparatus 10 is represented by a predetermined mark (in the figure). Then, although it was set as the presence or absence of addition of a filling circle mark), the method of making the display form of identification information differ is not restricted to this. For example, the identification information (the broken line portion in the figure) of the other image forming apparatus 10 (the apparatus that does not display the identification information on the display unit 31) is hidden, or gray display or highlight display is employed. May be. Further, the predetermined marks are not limited to those shown in the embodiment (filled circles).

  Next, a method for determining whether or not the own device is the desired device will be described. For example, there are the following three methods for determining whether or not the own device is the desired device.

<Method 1>
In the method 1, when the user detection unit 21 detects a user having a predetermined feature included in the user who has instructed transmission of the search request, the user detection unit 21 determines that the own device is the desired device. The predetermined features include, for example, the following two.

(Characteristic 1, facing your device)
Feature 1 is that it faces the device itself. When a user facing the own device is detected, the user pays attention to the own device and is estimated to be a user who wants to use the own device. When a user who is not suitable for the user's own device is detected, the user is estimated to be a user who does not intend to use the user's own device, such as a passing user or a user who stands with his back.

  Therefore, when the user detecting unit 21 detects a user facing the own device, the user detecting unit 21 determines that the own device is the desired device, and when detecting the user facing the other direction, the own device Judge that it is not the desired device. The direction in which the user is facing is determined, for example, by analyzing an image obtained by photographing with a camera. The determination may be performed by other methods.

(Characteristic 2, possession of mobile terminal 40)
Feature 2 is that the mobile terminal 40 is possessed. If the own device is the desired device, it is assumed that the user holding the portable terminal 40 is detected. Therefore, when the user holding the portable terminal 40 is detected, the own device is the desired device. If it is not possessed, it is determined that the own device is not the desired device.

  For example, an image obtained by photographing with a camera is analyzed, and it is determined whether or not a user who is within a predetermined range of his / her device has the portable terminal 40. However, the method for determining whether or not the user has the portable terminal 40 is not limited to the method described above. By determining the position of the mobile terminal 40 using GPS or calculating the distance between the mobile terminal 40 and its own device, it is determined whether or not the mobile terminal 40 is in the vicinity of its own device. When it is determined that the terminal 40 is in the vicinity of the own device, it may be estimated that the user detected by the user detection unit 21 has the portable terminal 40.

<Method 2>
In the method 2, the mobile terminal 40 transmits a search request including information indicating a function scheduled to be used in image processing requested by the user to the image forming apparatus 10. The image forming apparatus 10 that has received the search request determines whether or not the own apparatus can execute the function included in the search request. When the desired function can be executed, it is determined that the own apparatus is the desired apparatus. When the function cannot be executed, it is determined that the own apparatus is not the desired apparatus.

  Specifically, for example, when the user selects print data with the application of the mobile terminal 40 and performs print settings such as color and monochrome, and then instructs transmission of a search request, all of the print settings or A search request containing a part is sent.

  In Method 2, for example, not only whether or not it has a mechanism capable of executing the function included in the search request, but also the device status at the time of receiving the search request such as out of toner, out of paper, and post-processing device failure Considering the above, it may be determined whether or not the own apparatus can execute the function. If the remaining amount of toner or paper at the time when the search request is received cannot complete the job with the print settings included in the search request (for example, because there is a shortage of toner or paper), the device itself is the desired device. You may make it judge that it is not. If the remaining amount of toner or paper is below a certain level, it may be determined that the device itself is not the desired device.

  If the determination results in method 1 and method 2 are different, priority is given to the determination that the device is not the desired device. For example, even if it is determined in Method 1 that the own device is the desired device (when a user holding the portable terminal 40 or a user facing the own device is detected), the method 2 is used. If it is determined that the device itself is not the desired device (when it is determined that the function included in the search request cannot be executed), the determination result in the method 2 is given priority.

  When the method 2 determines that the own device is not the desired device, instead of the identification information, the fact that the function included in the search request cannot be executed is displayed on the display unit 31 of the own device. May be.

<Method 3>
In Method 3, it is determined whether or not the own device is a desired device depending on whether or not the own device is in use. For example, when an operation is received on the operation panel 30 before a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds before) when a search request is received, it is determined that the device is being used by a user other than the user who owns the mobile terminal 40 . In that case, since the user who has the portable terminal 40 cannot use, it judges that the own apparatus is not a desired apparatus. The predetermined time is appropriately set to a time during which it can be determined whether another user is operating.

  Even when a job is being executed when a search request is received, it may be determined that another user is using the job. However, if the job is completed within a certain time (for example, within 20 seconds) after receiving the search request, it may be determined that the own apparatus is the desired apparatus. If another job can be reserved during the execution of the job, it may be determined that the own apparatus is the desired apparatus even when the job is being executed when a search request is received.

  In this way, wasteful power consumption can be prevented by displaying the identification information only when the user is detected within a predetermined range from the own apparatus and when the user is determined to be the desired apparatus. Further, by not displaying useless identification information on the image forming apparatus 10 that is not used by the user who has made a search request, the operation of another user who is using (or will use) the image forming apparatus 10 can be performed. The risk of hindering can also be suppressed.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating processing performed by the image forming apparatus 10 when a search request is received. In the image forming apparatus 10, the CPU 11 executes the program stored in the ROM 12 or the external storage device 23, thereby realizing the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG.

  First, it waits until a search request is received (step S101; No). When a search request is received (step S101; Yes), it is determined whether or not there is a user within a predetermined range from the own device (step S102).

  When a user is not detected within a predetermined range from the own apparatus (step S102; No), the content being displayed is not changed (step S105), and the process proceeds to step S107.

  When a user is detected (step S102; Yes), a process (desired apparatus determination process) for determining whether the own apparatus is a desired apparatus is performed (step S103). If it is determined that the own apparatus is not the desired apparatus (step S104; No), the content being displayed is not changed (step S105), and the process proceeds to step S107.

  If it is determined that the own device is the desired device (step S104; Yes), the identification information is displayed on the display unit 31 (step S106), and then the search response is transmitted to the source of the search request (step S107). Returning to step S101, the processing is continued.

  FIG. 13 shows details of the desired device determination process in step S103 of FIG. In the process of FIG. 13, it is determined whether or not the own apparatus is the desired apparatus using all of the methods 1 to 3.

  First, based on the information included in the search request, it is determined whether or not a function scheduled to be used in image processing requested by the user from the image forming apparatus 10 can be executed by the own apparatus (step S201) (method 2). ). Here, not only the presence / absence of a mechanism for executing the function but also whether or not the state of the apparatus upon receiving the search request is a state in which the function can be executed. For example, if the image forming apparatus 10 is to be requested to make a color copy, but the color toner is insufficient, it is determined that the color copy cannot be executed.

  If the function indicated by the information included in the search request is not executable (step S201; No), the process proceeds to step S205. If the own device can execute the function (step S201; Yes), it is checked whether the own device is in use by the method described above (step S202) (method 3). If the own apparatus is in use (step S202; No), the process proceeds to step S205.

  If the own apparatus is in use (step S202; Yes), it is checked whether or not the user detected in step S102 in FIG. 12 has a predetermined feature provided by the user who instructed transmission of the search request (step S203). (Method 1). Specifically, as described above, it is determined whether or not the user has characteristics such as facing the user's own device and possessing the portable terminal 40.

  If it is determined that the user who has instructed the transmission of the search request has a predetermined characteristic (step S203; Yes), it is determined that the own apparatus is the desired apparatus (step S204), and this process is terminated. If it is determined that there is no predetermined feature provided by the user who has instructed transmission of the search request (step S203; No), it is determined that the own device is not the desired device (step S205), and this processing is terminated.

  As described above, in the printing system 7, the image forming apparatus 10 that has received the search request displays the identification information used to establish communication with the own apparatus. Thereby, the user who possesses the portable terminal 40 can establish communication between the portable terminal 40 and the image forming apparatus 10 with reference to the identification information.

  Further, when receiving a search request, identification information is displayed only for the image forming apparatus 10 that has detected the user within a predetermined range from the own apparatus. Thereby, since the identification information which is not likely to be used by the user is not displayed, the power consumption of the entire printing system 7 can be suppressed.

  Further, the image forming apparatus 10 determines whether or not the apparatus itself is a user's desired apparatus, and displays the identification information only when it is determined that the apparatus is not the desired apparatus. Whether or not to display identification information based not only on the presence or absence of a nearby user but also on whether or not to display identification information based on whether or not it is a desired device. As compared with the case where the determination is made, the number of image forming apparatuses 10 that display identification information is limited to a smaller number, and the power consumption of the entire printing system 7 can be further suppressed. Note that if the identification information is displayed even on the image forming apparatus 10 that is not used by the user who has made the search request, there is a possibility that the operation of another user who intends to use the image forming apparatus 10 may be hindered. By not displaying useless identification information on the image forming apparatus 10 that is unlikely to be, it is possible to suppress the possibility of hindering other users' operations.

  The embodiment of the present invention has been described with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to that shown in the embodiment, and there are changes and additions within the scope of the present invention. Are also included in the present invention.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, in FIG. 6, the detection range 70 is a fan-shaped range in front of the image forming apparatus 10, but 360 ° around the image forming apparatus 10 by providing a plurality of detection cameras. May be the detection range 70. For example, this is effective when the image forming apparatus 10 is installed in the center of the office.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the search request and the search response are directly transmitted and received between the portable terminal 40 and the image forming apparatus 10. However, another external device such as a server is provided and the search request and the search response are provided via the server. Transmission and reception may be performed.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the image forming apparatus 10 in the printing system 7 has been described as an example of the image processing apparatus, but the image processing apparatus is not limited to this. The image processing apparatus may be configured by extracting the control unit 11, the nonvolatile memory 14, the network communication unit 20, and the image data processing unit 16 from the image forming apparatus 10. In other words, the image processing apparatus of the present invention is not limited to an MFP such as the image forming apparatus 10 but may be a single printer. Furthermore, the present invention may be a program that causes the above-described image processing apparatus or information processing apparatus to operate as in the embodiment.

  A program for controlling a server that instructs the image processing apparatus to operate like the image forming apparatus 10 in the embodiment is also included in the present invention. FIG. 14 shows a printing system 7 when a control server 100 that controls the operation of the program is added. With this program, the control server 100 operates as follows.

  When the control server 100 receives a search request from the portable terminal 40, the image forming apparatus 10 uses the image forming apparatus 10 to perform an operation for establishing communication between the image forming apparatus 10 and the portable terminal 40. If the user detection unit 21 of the image processing apparatus detects the user, the display instruction to display the identification information of the apparatus 10 on the display unit 31 of the image forming apparatus 10 is transmitted.

  In the display instruction, the control server 100 includes a search response including identification information displayed by the image forming apparatus 10 that has received the display instruction, and a result of user detection performed by the user detection unit 21 in the image forming apparatus 10. Instructions to send back to are included. When the image forming apparatus 10 that has received the display instruction detects the presence or absence of a user within a predetermined range from the own apparatus by the user detection unit 21 of the own apparatus when the display instruction is received, The identification information of the own device is displayed on the display unit 31 of the own device, and a search response including the identification information and the result of the user detection is transmitted to the control server 100. If the user is not detected, the search response including the identification information and the result of the user detection is transmitted to the control server 100 without displaying the identification information.

  The control server 100 that has received the search request from the mobile terminal 40 acquires a search response from the image forming apparatus 10 according to the procedure described above, and transmits the identification information included in the search response and the user detection result to the mobile terminal 40. The list (screen) of identification information displayed on the mobile terminal 40 may be generated by the control server 100 and transmitted to the mobile terminal 40. The control server 100 transmits only the identification information, and the mobile terminal 40 side A list (screen) of identification information may be created. When the list is created by the control server 100, the user detection result does not need to be transmitted to the portable terminal 40. A list in which the display form of the identification information is changed according to the result is created and provided to the portable terminal 40. That's fine. On the other hand, when the portable terminal 40 creates the list, the result of user detection is transmitted from the control server 100 together with the identification information to the portable terminal 40, and the portable terminal 40 that has received the result displays the identification information according to the result. Create and display a list with modified forms.

  Note that the user detection unit 21 of the image forming apparatus 10 may detect a user having a predetermined feature included in the user who has instructed the mobile terminal 40 to transmit a search request. The predetermined characteristics include, for example, having a mobile terminal and being a user facing the own device.

  The user detection unit 21 of the image forming apparatus 10 determines whether or not the user is within a predetermined range from the own apparatus based on the radio wave intensity with the portable terminal 40 (the apparatus that has transmitted the search request). May be.

  When the received search request includes function information indicating a function scheduled to be used in the image processing requested by the image forming apparatus 10, the control server 100 includes the image processing apparatus in each image forming apparatus 10. If the function indicated by the function information cannot be executed, control for prohibiting the display of the identification information is performed. The control server 100 transmits the display instruction including the function information and an instruction for prohibiting the display of the identification information if the function indicated by the function information cannot be executed. If the image forming apparatus 10 is set to prohibit display of the identification information unless the function indicated by the function information can be executed, the control server 100 adds only the function information to the display instruction described above. Then send.

  In this way, the control server 100 that has received the search request from the portable terminal 40 controls the display of the identification information on the image forming apparatus 10 instead of the image forming apparatus 10, so that the user can perform desired image formation. The identification information of the device 10 can be obtained. In addition, communication between the portable terminal 40 and the image forming apparatus 10 can be established using the identification information. In addition, since the identification information is displayed only for a device that satisfies the conditions such as detecting the user or determining that the own device is the desired device, wasteful power consumption can be suppressed.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, communication with the image forming apparatus 10 of the identification information selected by the user from the list of identification information (apparatus name) displayed by the portable terminal 40 in response to the search response is established. However, when the search request is received, the image forming apparatus 10 displays the IP address of the own apparatus on the display unit 31, and the user refers to this to set the communication destination manually by the portable terminal 40. May be.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, whether or not the own apparatus is the desired apparatus is determined by the methods 1 to 3, but may be determined by another method. In the embodiment of the present invention, all the methods 1 to 3 are used. However, any one of the methods 1 to 3 or any combination of the methods may be employed. For example, when the method 2 and the method 3 are combined, the image forming apparatus 10 can execute the function indicated by the information included in the search request, and the self apparatus is the desired apparatus when the self apparatus is not in use. It is judged that.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, when it is determined that the device is not a desired device by at least one of methods 1 to 3, the device itself is determined not to be a desired device. When it is determined that the device is the desired device by at least one of the methods 1 to 3, the device may be determined to be the desired device.

  The network is not limited to a LAN or the like. For example, in the near field communication such as Bluetooth, the communication range may be the network of the present invention. That is, the mobile terminal 40 broadcasts a search request for searching for a corresponding device (image forming apparatus 10) within the communicable range, and the image forming apparatus 10 that has received the request returns a search response to the transmission source. A configuration in which identification information is displayed on the display unit 31 of the own apparatus is also included in the present invention.

3 ... LAN
7 ... Printing system 10 ... Image forming apparatus 11 ... CPU
12 ... ROM
13 ... RAM
14 ... Nonvolatile memory 15 ... DKC
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 16 ... Image processing part 17 ... Reading interface 18 ... Printing interface 19 ... Wireless LAN controller 20 ... LAN controller 21 ... User detection part 22 ... Print engine 23 ... External storage device 24 ... Scanner 30 ... Operation panel 31 ... Display part 32 ... Operation Unit 33 ... Switch unit 34 ... Touch panel unit 40 ... Mobile terminal 41 ... CPU
42 ... ROM
43 ... RAM
44 ... Non-volatile memory 45 ... Hard disk device 46 ... Network communication unit 50 ... Operation display unit 51 ... Display unit 52 ... Operation unit 53 ... Switch unit 54 ... Touch panel unit 60 ... List 70 ... Detection range 71 ... Search request processing unit 72 ... User Detection control unit 73 ... Printing unit 74 ... Desired device determination unit 80 ... Continuous display screen 81 ... Information group 90 ... Access point 100 ... Control server

Claims (13)

A display unit;
A network communication unit that communicates via a network;
An image processing unit that performs image processing based on a predetermined instruction received from the external device via the network by the network communication unit;
A user detection unit for detecting a user within a predetermined range from the own device;
When the network communication unit receives a predetermined search request transmitted to search for an image processing device connected to the network, if the user detection unit detects a user, A control unit for displaying identification information on the display unit;
I have a,
When the received search request includes function information indicating a function scheduled to be used in image processing requested to the image processing apparatus, the control unit displays the function indicated by the function information in the image of the own apparatus. It is determined whether or not the processing unit can be executed. If the processing unit is not executable, the identification information is not displayed on the display unit. The control unit causes the network communication unit to transmit a predetermined search response including the identification information to a transmission source of the search request when the network communication unit receives the search request. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1. The control unit includes the detection result of the user detection unit in the search response, and the identification information included in the search response is included in the search response in the search request transmission source device. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image processing apparatus is displayed in a display form according to the display. The feature is an image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it is carrying the portable terminal. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the feature is that a user faces the self apparatus. The said user detection part judges whether a user exists in the said predetermined range based on the electromagnetic wave intensity between the transmission origin apparatuses of the said search request | requirement. The Claim 1 thru | or 5 characterized by the above-mentioned. The image processing apparatus according to any one of the above. An information processing apparatus having a display unit and a network communication unit that communicates via a network,
An image processing unit that performs image processing based on a predetermined instruction received from an external device via the network;
A user detection unit for detecting a user within a predetermined range from the own device;
When the user detection unit detects a user when the network communication unit receives a predetermined search request transmitted to search for one or more image processing devices connected to the network. If the function information indicating the function scheduled to be used in the image processing requested to the information processing device is included in the received search request, the identification information of the device itself is displayed on the display unit. It is determined whether or not the image processing unit of the device can execute the function indicated by the information. If the function is not executable, the identification is displayed on the display unit even when the user detection unit detects a user. Search response control unit that does not display information ,
A program characterized by functioning as A display unit;
A network communication unit that communicates via a network;
An image processing unit that performs image processing based on a predetermined instruction received by the network communication unit;
An information processing apparatus that can be connected to a plurality of image processing apparatuses including a user detection unit that detects a user within a predetermined range from the own apparatus,
Receiving a predetermined search request sent from an external device to search for an image processing device connected to the network;
When the search request is received, identification information of the image processing device used for an operation for establishing communication between the image processing device and the external device is sent to each of the plurality of image processing devices. An image to be displayed on the display unit of the image processing device on condition that the user detection unit of the image processing device detects a user and to request the image processing device to receive the search request When the function information indicating the function scheduled to be used in the process is included, the identification information is displayed on each of the plurality of image processing apparatuses unless the image processing apparatus can execute the function indicated by the function information. A program characterized by performing control to be prohibited . When receiving the search request, control is performed to receive a predetermined search response including the identification information from the image processing apparatus and transmit the received identification information to the external apparatus that has transmitted the search request. The program according to claim 8 , further executed. The search response includes the detection result of the user detection unit, and the identification information included in the search response is displayed in a display form corresponding to the detection result included in the search response to the search request transmission source. The program according to claim 9 , further executing control. The program according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the feature is possession of a portable terminal. The program according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the feature is that the user is facing the user apparatus. The said user detection part judges whether a user exists in the said predetermined range based on the electromagnetic wave strength between the transmission origin apparatuses of the said search request, The Claims 8 thru | or 12 characterized by the above-mentioned. The program as described in any one.